So from tonight until sunday night kings canyon might be getting snow over 8k ft. I was planning on hiking to charlotte lake but did not expect snow so soon with how dry our winters have been, maybe this is normal for drought years to get some snow this time of year but not a bunch?Anyway the noaa report says mon thru wed should have sunny days and cloudy to clear skies with no chance of precipitation. Am i crazy to still go?

Agree with above...If you have the good winter-weather gear, are prepared for anything, and don't mind being a bit chilly - go.Personally, any Sierra trip is always a treat but being tent bound for any long period of time gets old real fast. Hiking over the wet...high winds and biting cold also sucks.It all depends on next week's weather as today's forecast hints to Sierra snow this weekend down to 6,000 feet...could be problematic...next week could be fine though... (or not).Stay tuned I guess.Hike safe!

Hi!Go. We are all a little crazy. I've done some snow camping on purpose, and some unexpected. Be prepared and have a great time. If you ever saw a snowy scene Christmas card, well, the best card is about 1% as pretty as being there.By all means GO!-mort

Yea I think it will be fine. It seems like a light dusting, accumulation of less than half an inch each day. Highs are starting to rise for mon, tue, and wed.I don't have snow gear (snow shoes, crampons, ice axe) or backpacking in snow experience which is why i asked the question in the first place.Guess i just got worried when I saw the snow report, but looks like that anxiety was a little premature.

Edit: I do have the necessary clothing and sleeping gear, and gps to follow should the trails be covered with snow.

The question is not if you have the equipment, but do you have the experience dealing with snow and late fall weather? There are a lot of decisions you may need to make that only experience will assure you make the right decision.

I just came home from a 6-day trip from Pine Creek TH - mostly above 11,000 feet. It snowed last night about a quarter inch at Pine Lake. It was below freezing every night. Winds were fierce a few days. It was dark and cold 12 hours each night. Depending on where you choose to camp, you can have to wait until 10AM to get sunshine, or get evening shadows as early as 4PM. I chose every camp to get maximum sunshine. You really need to plan a late fall trip differently than a mid-summer trip.

It was snowing on Luther Pass mid afternoon today. There is about 6 inches of snow on the ground at Luther Pass and Echo Summit. Sonora Pass is closed. Most of the storm is in the northern Sierra.

I doubt this cold weather will last. Check the NWS website. Forecasts are usually OK for three days or so. Just remember that even if the NWS says 35-degree lows, you can expect 10 degrees lower in certain locations.

I just came back from Kings Canyon this evening from a backpack trip to lost lake and beyond. ( will post tr shortly) at the visitors center today the weather report was for clear sunny skies starting tomorrow, Monday with highs in mid 60's. That's at 6,000 feet. It was snowing this am above 8.000 feet but was not sticking for long. In addition to being prepared gear wise for cold weather and possible snow I think it's important to be mentally and psychologically prepared as well. Be ready for anything and be prepared to hunker down in your tent if need be. Another idea is to go to a lower elevation where you can have a fire at night....I found this helped pass the long evening as well as being a source of warmth and enjoyment. You might consider going to East Lake where you can have a fire. And it is stunningly beautiful out there this time of year; albeit windy and cold!